Rather than dwell on the obvious size of the Navigator, let’s look at the non-obvious – the details. From an interior perspective, this SUV really wraps up a substantial number of comfort features, like heated and cooled seats that perform the task fast as well as a handy-dandy power folding third-row seat. The Navigator’s navigation, audio and information screen includes a digital clock, but it’s great that the SUV also has a top-of- dash clock. The heated/cooled seats, power-fold third row seat, and Sirius satellite radio all join the standard fare list in the 2008 model year. New for 2008 is the rearview camera option. When in reverse gear, the upper left portion of the rearview mirror displays the rear-of-vehicle view from a video camera mounted in the rear lift-gate. Green, yellow and red colored lines indicate how close an object is. The lone knock on the test-driven Navigator was the driver’s seatbelt. On multiple occasions, the seatbelt disengaged immediately after being put in the connection slot.

Lincoln Navigator doesn’t shortchange on power. The 5.4-liter V8 produces 300 horsepower at 5000 rpm and 365 pounds-feet torque at 3750 rpm and mates to a 6-speed automatic transmission. Sold in base version and Navigator L, the long wheelbase SUV means a 131-inch wheelbase vs. a 119-inch wheelbase, more than 223 inches in length vs. just under 209 inches in length, and a 33.5 gallon gas tank vs. a 28 gallon tank. The Navigator offers automatic drop-down running boards when the door is opened and automatic fold-up running boards when the door is closed. Audiophile fans will love the Navigator’s now standard THX II-certified sound system that pumps out 600 watts of power to 14 speakers. (The THX brand is the name most people associate with movie theater sound systems.) Expect the Navigator to get about 12 mpg city and 18 mpg highway. Navigator L’s MSRP is $53,655.